At $5,001/yr net price, CUNY Hostos Community College graduates earn $40,485/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,485/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,001 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $20,004 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,485/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,485/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 17.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $8,442 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,398/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,616/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $7,244/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,701/yr |
| $110,001+ | $4,865/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $61,516 | $10,250 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $59,485 | $16,500 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $48,849 | |
| Public Administration. | Associate | $30,771 | |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $27,439 | |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. | Associate | $26,739 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $24,863 | $9,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $24,035 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $23,803 | $5,600 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $23,207 | $6,850 |
The Risk Factor
17.0% of students at CUNY Hostos Community College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
The math at Hostos works if you pick the right program. You'll pay about $5,000 a year and carry a median debt around $8,442, which is low enough that even the median 10-year earnings of $40,485 clears it without much strain. The debt side is not the problem here.
The graduation risk is. Only 17% of students finish, and the low net price means nothing if you leave without a credential. That is the single biggest financial threat at this school: you pay in, take on loans, and walk away with no degree to show for it. Before you enroll, be honest about whether you can actually finish.
Your major decides everything. The associate nursing program pays over $61,000 ten years out, and dental support clears $59,000. The practical nursing certificate lands near $49,000. These health-track credentials are why Hostos is worth it, and Bronx-area demand for nurses and dental staff backs those numbers up. Public administration ($30,771) and business operations support ($27,439) pay far less, both below the school-wide median. Choosing one of those over nursing costs you roughly $30,000 a year in earnings.
Note that the top earnings figures come from associate degrees and certificates, not bachelor's programs. Hostos is a two-year school, so a four-year degree elsewhere is a separate calculation.
On price by income: if your family earns under $30,000, you'll pay about $4,398, and the $48k-$110k range pays more, peaking near $8,701. Aid smooths out unevenly across brackets here.
Hostos is a good fit if you commit to nursing or dental support and can realistically finish. If you're aiming at public administration or business support, or unsure you'll graduate, the return gets thin fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CUNY Hostos Community College worth the money?
At $5,001 per year with median earnings of $40,485 after 10 years, Hostos offers decent value if you complete your degree. However, the 17% graduation rate means most students don't finish, making the investment risky for many.
What are the best paying programs at CUNY Hostos Community College?
Nursing programs lead with graduates earning $61,516 annually, followed by dental support services at $59,485. Business and public administration programs pay significantly less at around $27,000-$30,000.
How much debt do CUNY Hostos Community College students graduate with?
Students who borrow typically graduate with $8,442 in debt. This is manageable compared to four-year schools, but only worthwhile if you actually graduate and enter a higher-paying field like nursing.
Why is the graduation rate so low at CUNY Hostos Community College?
Only 17% of students graduate within the typical timeframe. Community college students often attend part-time while working, face financial pressures, or transfer to other schools before completing their degree at Hostos.